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Serendipity #2.5

Fated: A best friend's ex, small town romance

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He used to crush on her best friend.

How can he convince her falling for him won’t crush her heart?

Though Nick Mancini flirts with her like it’s his second job, Kate Andrews tries to ignore the sexy construction worker. How could he be interested in her? Not that long ago, he was in love with Kate’s best friend, Faith. His muscled body and sexy dimples are hard to resist, but Kate refuses to be anyone’s rebound girl. Been there, done that, burned the road map.

Trouble is, Kate does believe love at first sight. But it has to be a two-way street, and she’s convinced she and Nick are destined to crash and burn.

Nick can pinpoint the exact moment he gave up on Faith, and really saw Kate for the first time. He’d ticked her off and she’d been seriously angry. He’d looked right into those flashing green eyes, and he was a goner. He’s pretty sure Kate feels the same way, but despite their off-the-charts chemistry, she rejects him at every turn.

But Nick is nothing if not persistent and the longing looks she sneaks his way don’t lie. She wants him, too. For Nick to break through Kate’s barriers, he’ll have to throw out the original blueprint and come up with a whole new plan. One that takes him off guard and cements their future.

Note: Fated was previously published under the same title by NYT bestselling author Carly Phillips. Contains a middle school English teacher who never makes the same mistake twice, and a hunky construction worker who understands every possible definition of the word nailed. Enjoy!

70 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2012

127 people are currently reading
1137 people want to read

About the author

Carly Phillips

269 books9,829 followers
NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,642 reviews78 followers
June 1, 2023
4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has secrets, laughs, and heartbreak.

This is Kate and Nick's story. Nick flirts with Kate every chance he gets but she believes that he is still in love with her best friend. She is determined to keep him at arm’s length. After all she is not a rebound girl. Can these two figure out what they both want? Or will she end up passing on a relationship with him and moving forward without him.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Book Reading Gals  .
1,062 reviews38 followers
August 21, 2013
Title: Fated

Series: Serendipity (this book falls between Serendipity and Destiny)

Author: Carly Phillips

Genre: Contemporary

Kate Andews is the original rebound girl. But she has had enough and has vowed to never be someone’s second choice again. Unfortunately, her undeniably intense desire for Nick Mancini is testing her best laid plans because Kate has carried a torch for Nick since high school– but she’s always been permanently in the friend zone.

Lately, Nick has definitely noticed Kate. Unfortunately he can’t get her to take him seriously. He knows he’s made some stupid moves in the past but he’s determined to get Kate to act on their obvious and mutual attraction. However Kate’s stubborn and she’s been hurt before, which means Nick will have to pull out all the stops in order to convince her he’s not the same boy she used to know, and she’s not second best
… she’s everything.

Fans of Carly Phillips Serendipity series won’t want to miss this story. Nick and Kate’s journey to love is one steeped in a lifelong friendship turned to love, insecurities and the knowledge that the real reason they've never had a real relationship with other people was because they were it for each other.

If you have read Serendipity and the novella Kismet the story of Kate and Nick will not be new to you. For that is where we see their story start.

Kate has been burned by love and doesn't trust that Nick is really over Faith (which if you read Serendipity you know he is) so she refuses him every time he asks her out.

Nick has reached his limit when it comes to Kate, and with a little help from his friend Faith he ambushes her and shows her just what she means to me.

And because this is a romance we know that the road to HEA isn't easy and Kate and Nick's isn't. But it is one that is perfect for them.

I adored everything about this book and wanted to re-read as soon as I finished it. If you loved Serendipity and wanted to know what happened between Faith's two friends then you need to read this book. It's another great installment into what is fast becoming my favorite series by Carly.

Grade A
Review by: Heather
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Profile Image for Francesca the Fierce (Under the Covers Book Blog).
1,886 reviews506 followers
December 12, 2012
This review was posted at Under the Covers

I have a lot of love for this series. Every character and story is always sweet and leaves me happy and with a sigh at the end. FATED was no different. Perfect for a quick mood pick up.

Although I couldn’t really remember at first who Kate Andrews was, yes bad memory, I quickly caught on with some Twitter help. Kate was the one friend Faith had when returning to Serendipity. And she’s had a crush….no, been in love, with Nick for a long time. Of course, she thought Nick still had feelings for Faith because he tried to make a move on her when she came back. But what she doesn’t know is that it was never about Nick not being over Faith.

Even though Kate has always been there for Nick, he just recently realized that she might be “it” for him. The attraction and the chemistry has been there and he doesn’t know why she’s not going out with him. But after so many nos, he takes matters into his own hands to prove to her that he wants her and only her.

Nick, as always, was delicious. I think I’ve always liked his character and I’ve been waiting for him to get an HEA. And him finally opening his eyes and falling for the girl that has always been there was nice.

This was a bit too short for my taste, but since the groundwork was pretty much laid out already, the whole romance between them worked well for me.

*ARC provided by publisher
Profile Image for Cate at Fiction Beer & Cupcakes.
464 reviews
May 31, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided to me. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Nick Mancini has his work cut out for him. He wanted to see if sparks were still there when he kissed his ex-girlfriend Faith. Though quickly realized there was nothing there on either side. It wasn't until shortly after he really saw Kate. After asking her out who knows how many times, he seems to only hear the word No. Well now is the time for one last big ditch effort to prove to Kate he is all in.

Kate Andrews has had a crush on Nick for years. Though in high school her best friend, Faith, dated Nick until she left. When Faith came back Nick asked her out and Kate didn't want to be a rebound girl. Now Nick is pulling all the stops to let Kate know he is serious, but will it still be enough?

I think this was a just me and not the books fault, but I wanted more. I have been hearing about Nick Mancini since Faith's book and I would have expected even a novella to be a little longer. The book was too short for me, even though I still liked it. I understood how Kate felt and why she held back and even why she ran. I can't help but be greedy. I just wanted a little more togetherness, before things ended.
Profile Image for Tanya Witt.
191 reviews129 followers
November 18, 2012
I can always count on a Carly Phillip's book to make me smile and fall in love with the characters! I thoroughly enjoyed this short story about two people, Nick and Kate, who finally come to terms with their feelings for one another and just dive right in, but not with some stubbornness and hesitation on Kate's part. Nate is a sexy, construction worker and Kate is a beautiful, school teacher. They have both been in love before but were young so they truly didn't know what real love felt like until some years later. Kate is afraid of being hurt and has turned Nick down many times until her best friend Faith steps in. And, oh how I love what she helped Nick plan to do to get Kate to take that final step to be with him. Fated was short, sweet, hot, romantic and funny. Yes, Mrs. Phillips can write all these things in a short, sexy story such as this one. I highly recommend this quick read and you can preorder it anytime. The release date is December 4, 2012.

A favorite quote of mine"I leave nothing to chance. Especially when I want something. And Kate, I want you."

ARC copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Profile Image for BBMoreB ~.
784 reviews
November 13, 2012
This short, novella length format seems to suit Carly Phillips’ writing style. She managed to pack in enough character development to keep me invested in this couple's relationship and the story line didn't feel too rushed. Considering how short the story is and how much ground she needed to cover, I was impressed that nothing felt overly rushed, unless it's Nick's quick realization that time is running out! I like the way she writes down-to-earth, relatable characters with realistic dialogue. This was a pleasant, upbeat little story with a little steam, a lot of smiles, and a very satisfying resolution.

If you haven’t read Serendipity then the secondary characters (i.e. Faith, Ethan and Tess) will be unfamiliar – reading Serendipity prior to this one will give you additional insight into Nick’s background.

Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge through NetGalley for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,544 reviews56 followers
May 29, 2023
I'm blushing.. Why am I blushing?!? Kate and Nick had my interest since I started reading this book. And I have to say I understand Kate's reaction to his advantages. I mean he was trying to win his ex over, who happens to be her BF so you can understand the put off factor there. And they've known each other for years so his sudden interest was a bit of a shock to her. But Nick was determined. He finally realized that what he wanted all along was right there in front of him. And he was not letting go.

I'm obsessed with Carly Phillips. She knows just how to make my heart sing with happiness with her words, and I'm always left feeling happy so it's no surprise that she is one of my favorite authors.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews872 followers
December 3, 2012
Lee's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4 Stars

I have been waiting for Kate and Nick’s story ever since I started the Serendipity series and this short story didn’t disappoint at all.

Nick has been circling Kate for months, trying to get her to see him as serious. Kate refuses to allow herself to open up to Nick and risk being hurt again. When Nick finally decides to risk it all and take a leap that could make or break his chances with Kate the chemistry between these two leaped off of the page. I couldn’t get enough!

Carly Phillips definitely did Kate and Nick justice. This short story just added more spice to the already stellar series and I can’t wait to see what happens in Serendipity next!

Review copy provided for an honest review.

Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,125 reviews210 followers
May 25, 2023
Best friends to Faith Barron, Kate watched as Faith's high school boyfriend made a play for Faith when she returned to town but before she married Ethan. So if Kate is a bit skeptical now that Nick Mancini's attention has turned to her, it makes good sense.

But Nick has decided Kate Andrews is it for him, and he’ll go to whatever length necessary to show Kate how he feels. Even if that involves some well-intended scheming to get time alone with Kate so he can convince her of his feelings.

Short and sweet, this delightful romance takes us back to the small town of Serendipity NY. With cameos from Faith, Ethan, and my favorite teenager, Tess, this quick read is low on angst but full of heart, and the perfect thing when you have only a short amount of time for your reading escape.
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,642 reviews78 followers
June 1, 2023
4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has secrets, laughs, and heartbreak.

This is Kate and Nick's story. Nick flirts with Kate every chance he gets but she believes that he is still in love with her best friend. She is determined to keep him at arm’s length. After all she is not a rebound girl. Can these two figure out what they both want? Or will she end up passing on a relationship with him and moving forward without him.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lisa Filipe.
Author 5 books249 followers
January 14, 2013
First that I have read in the series....must go backwards!!

Short, but oh so sweet!
Profile Image for Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan).
1,510 reviews31 followers
June 1, 2023
Fated is the 4th book of the Serendipity series by Carly Phillips being re-released on June 2nd. This is a fast-paced friends to lovers novella that features Kate and Nick, who were introduced in Serendipity, the first book of the series. Kate has harbored feelings for Nick for a long time, but his history with her best friend Faith, prevents her from believing him, when he expresses interest in her. Can Nick convince her that they are meant to be together?

I read this series once many years ago, and it has been almost like reading it for the first time all over again. The wonderful world building continues with compelling characters, witty banter, great friends, steamy chemistry, and more! I wish this story was longer, but if you’ve read Serendipity, you’re familiar with Nick and Kate’s back story. Still, I’m someone that loves an epilogue. I have a little trouble letting go of an HEA so quickly.😉

I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

4.5 STARS

#fated #carlyphillips #bestfriendsex #hefallsfirst #comingsoon #mustread #ebooks #ARCreview #bookreview #bookrecs #wildfiremarketingsolutions
Profile Image for Luisa Rivas.
2,218 reviews40 followers
June 3, 2023
Short and sweet and wonderful, as I always expect from Carly Phillips. The couple in this story was a surprise for me, Faith’s high school best friend Kate and her high school ex-boyfriend Nick! Kate has always had a thing for Nick. Two things hold her back, a past college heartbreak and the fact that when Faith came back to town, Nick tried to pick up their relation back.

Now Faith is happy with Ethan Barron, and Nick is constantly inviting Kate out and she constantly refuses. How to get these two together at last?

The story evolves fast, we get to revisit with Faith, Ethan and Tess, there’s a beautiful remodeled cabin involved and some plot concocted by Faith and Nick. The cabin is important because it gives insights into Nick’s character, he’s thorough and detailed and patient. As I read the book, I realized these two were perfect for each other.

Romantic and fun and a fast read, loved it. Now I can’t wait for Dare’s story!
3,168 reviews
May 28, 2023
Kate is a teacher and has been hurt in the past. A guy in college used her and then dumped her. Now she has high walls around her heart. Nick owns a construction company and keeps asking Kate out. But Nick dated her best friend, Faith, in high school and when she came back to Serendipity they went out. She thinks she's only his second choice because he can't have Faith. Nick finally realized that Kate was the one for him but he has to convince her first.

Short story. Sex. Romance. Two people getting their second chance at love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Daisy Nijs.
1,055 reviews17 followers
June 2, 2023
Fated is a fun, quick read. We got to know Kate and Nick in Serendipity, learned about their past and how they got to know each other, Nick being Faith’s boyfriend.
Now that they are back in each other’s life, Kate can no longer deny that her feelings for Nick are still there, but she won’t act on them.
Faith has moved on with Ethan, so Nick starts to notice Kate in a different spotlight. Maybe it’s time to move on from just being friends…
I love going back to the Serendipity series. I love to see how the other characters are doing, it’s aways nice to get an update on them. This book has been brought up to date for the new release.
Profile Image for Vikisor.
396 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2023
This novella takes us back to Serendipity and tells us the sweet story of how Nick and Kate discover their own HEA. Each one has to get passed their own insecurities and hurts to finally embrace their story.
I love this story because it lets us back to Serendipity and we get to see some of the characters we adore from the previous books. It is a quick read that will leave our romantic self really satisfied 💕
Brilliant writing, amazing characters and sweet story recommend this novella and make it a must read in the series. Highly recommend it 💕
Profile Image for Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms.
2,559 reviews4 followers
June 1, 2023
Fated is #4 or is it? in the Serendipity series and is a short and sweet read! This is Kate Andrews and Nick Mancini’s story.

I read that this falls between Serendipity and Destiny #1 and #3. But it has #4 on Goodreads. But who cares really. As long as the book is good and yes it was GOOD!

Seems like Nick knew first that he loved Kate and he had to overcome her insecurity as well as his own insecurities and they did!

I can’t wait for the next book Karma. I am very much looking forward to it!
Profile Image for JoAnne.
3,193 reviews32 followers
October 17, 2022
At only 63 pages this was a quick and steamy read. It was nice to be back in Serendipity and this was a book I missed along the way. I liked the characters of Nick and Kate but they do need to learn how to communicate! Nice closure with a happily ever after in the offing but wish there was a little more depth to the storyline since things happened too quickly for my liking.

I rated the book 3.5 stars but rounded to 4 stars here and on other sites.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,253 reviews18 followers
May 25, 2023
I loved that Kate and Faith had been best friends since elementary school. In a previous book, Faith had fallen in love with Ethan even though she and Nick had been together in high school. I can understand why Kate felt that Nick was still in love with Faith. Kate was determined not to be a second choice. I enjoyed watching Nick work to get Faith to give him a chance. I encourage you to read the short book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
Profile Image for Meryl Markowitz.
695 reviews6 followers
May 30, 2023
Fated is an in between novella.
It's a sweet story to explain what happened to Faith's BFF.
Kate is an accomplished teacher, a wonderful volunteer, but she has serious trust issues when it comes to men. She has no idea why Nick, her BFFs high school ex is suddenly sniffing around her. She's sure it's a rebound situation.
Nick, who is known as the town's lothario, one day just opened his eyes and really saw Kate. He's been asking her out for months, but keeps getting turned down. He doesn't understand, after all their chemistry is off the charts.
Faith and Nick hatch a plan to get Kate to open her eyes.Will it work? Of course it will, with a few bumps. Carly Phillips is romance royalty.
Thank you to Carly Phillips for the advanced copy.
Profile Image for Paula.
2,007 reviews9 followers
May 27, 2023
I really enjoyed reading Fated it's a novella in the Serendipity series . Kate Andrews and Nick Mancini have chemistry and their attraction is off the charts . Kate refuses to believe Nick really has feelings for her she turns down every invitation he asks . Nick asks her best friend Faith to help him win over Kate hoping he can get the chance to prove he wants a future with her . This is a lovely heartwarming romance . I highly recommend reading .
Profile Image for Vanessa  Ramirez .
1,102 reviews9 followers
June 3, 2023
⭐ Review ✨
***
Thank you to Carly Phillips for the book to review.
***
Fated was a sweet and fun read. I loved Nick. He was sweet, caring, and amazing. Kate was his perfect match.Their chemistry was off the charts and their story was great. This whole series has left my heart happy. All the characters are well written and the stories keep getting better and better.
***
⭐⭐⭐⭐
***
1,229 reviews15 followers
June 15, 2023
Cute and quick read! Kate and Nick are attracted to each other, but Kate is hesitant to act because she thinks Nick is still attracted to her best friend Faith. Nick takes action to prove Kate is the one for him.

Short read, but great chemistry and romance between them!

Thanks to the author for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Cheryl Sanders.
2,258 reviews32 followers
July 9, 2023
4.5 Stars
This is book 4 in the Serendipity series and it features Kate Andrews and Nick Mancini. He wants her. She wants him too but she thinks he’s stuck on a woman from a past relationship. This story is about Nick’s long attempt to earn Kate’s trust and heart.

This is a fantastic, sweet and sizzling hot romance with amazing characters. I love revisiting characters from previous books!
Profile Image for Tania's Book Blog.
1,727 reviews23 followers
July 21, 2023
Kate always had a crush on Nate but he never “saw” her. When he finally realized his true feelings for her she wasn’t sure and gave him a hard time. Poor Kate thought she was second best and her insecurity and self esteem made it hard to believe Nick. Nick pulled out all stops to win her over and he finally wore her down. Great story!!
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,192 reviews23 followers
December 23, 2023
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Audible Membership)

Two people we have met in previous titles, finally get together.
It's a short story, but very satisfying in the whole tale, which is told in a sympathic way for the muddled feelings of those that had been emotionally hurt before.
Profile Image for Gretchen.
781 reviews25 followers
August 3, 2024
"He took her hand and threaded his fingers through hers. The gesture felt intimate, sweet, and right, and her heart fluttered harder inside her chest. No, no, no, she warned herself. Emotions separate from sex."

Nick and Kate's story felt like a novella - we had hints of this possible pairing in the 3 previous Serendipity books. I would have loved to have MORE in this chapter. It was just a quick take. HEA
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
7,586 reviews70 followers
May 29, 2023
Fated by C. Phillips is part of the Serendipity Series. It's a sort story, a quick read.
Kate and Nck's story is sweet, a feelgoodmakesyousmile read and gives all the feels. The author just nailed all my expectations, 5 stars.
Profile Image for Vivien R.
2,218 reviews26 followers
June 2, 2023
This story is about Nick and Kate. This is a short story so the plot is fast paced. Nick finds himself very attracted to Kate but she keeps her guard up around Nick not knowing if his feelings are genuine. This was a good read and a fast read, at eight chapters.
Profile Image for Brenda Allen.
1,553 reviews5 followers
Read
February 5, 2024
Carly Phillips is a great author. Serendipity Series Book 4 is with Kate Andrews and Nick Mancini and their great love story. Really enjoyed reading it. Now to read about Dare Barron and Liza McNight1/14
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews